Buhari Tops BBC's Africa's Best Quotes Of 2015 (See Full List)

Buhari Tops BBC's Africa's Best Quotes Of 2015 (See Full List)

 
It has been a roller-coaster year of African news, from the historic elections in Nigeria to the momentous visits of the Pope and the US president.

To sum up the last 12 months, here are some of the best quotes:

1. "I belong to everybody and I belong to nobody"
Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari on the day of his historic inauguration in May

Muhammadu Buhari

2. "We must change our lawless habits, our attitude to public office and public trust. We must change our unruly behaviour in schools, hospitals, market places, motor parks, on the roads, in homes and offices.
"To bring about change, we must change ourselves by being law-abiding citizens"
President Buhari said four months later on Nigeria's independence day

3. "The time for vision has come. I request our South African government to help us clean our land of lice. We need to remove all itching bedbugs and lay them bare in the sun.
"We request that all foreigners should take their baggage and be sent back"

South Africa's Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini, who denied that his comments in March fuelled xenophobic violence

4. "If I had known this lion had a name and was important to the country or a study obviously I wouldn't have taken it. Nobody in our hunting party knew before or after the name of this lion."

Cecil the lion
US dentist Walter Palmer, who killed Zimbabwe's famous Cecil the lion in July

5. "Dear white people in the fashion world!... Why do I have to bring my own make-up to a professional show when all the other white girls don't have to do anything but show up.
"Don't try to make me feel bad because I am blue-black - it's 2015"

South Sudanese model Nykhor Paul, who got more than 20,000 likes on Instagram after she posted the comment in July

6. "I have seen more demonstrations and strikes in my first two years. I don't think it can get worse. It is said that when you kill a goat and you frighten it with a knife, it doesn't fear the knife because it is dead already. I have a dead-goat syndrome"

Ghana's President John Mahama, being dismissive in March of the protests against his government. The quote has earned him the nickname "The Goat"

7. "This is surreal for me, I'm not going to lie, growing up in the dusty streets of South Africa, I never dreamed that I would one day have two things really: An indoor toilet and a job as host of the Daily Show.
"And now I have both, and I'm quite comfortable with one of them"

South African comedian Trevor Noah as he made his debut hosting Comedy Central's satirical news show in September

8. "I've just concluded - since President Obama endorses the same-sex marriage, advocates homosexual people and enjoys an attractive countenance - thus if it becomes necessary, I shall travel to Washington DC, get down on my knee and ask his hand"

Zimbabwe's leader Robert Mugabe, mocking a US Supreme Court decision in June to legalise gay marriage

9. "I love my work. But under our constitution, I cannot run again... I actually think I'm a pretty good president - I think if I ran I could win. But I can't.
"When a leader tries to change the rules in the middle of the game just to stay in office, it risks instability and strife - as we've seen in Burundi. Nobody should be president for life"

US President Barack Obama on his visit to Ethiopia in July

10. "We are going to create a special wheelchair for President Mugabe until he rules to 100 years because that is what we want. That is the people's choice. We want a leader that respects us"

Zimbabwe's first lady Grace Mugabe in November, after her 91-year-old husband was caught on camera struggling to walk
11. "The way to treat a boil is to squeeze it out, and I have made it my responsibility to do that. I know squeezing out a boil hurts but unfortunately there are no two ways about it"

Tanzania's newly elected President John Magufuli, telling parliament in November about his drive to root out corruption and lazy workers

12. "I organised a meeting in 2005 to solve our family issues. When I asked them about their opinion, they said I should build each family member a house and give each of them a monthly wage... I just want other African families to learn from this"

Togo football star Emmanuel Adebayor, denying in a Facebook post in May claims that he failed to support his family financially

13. "Christians and Muslims are brothers and sisters.
"Together, we must say no to hatred, no to revenge and no to violence, particularly that violence which is perpetrated in the name of a religion or of God himself. God is peace, God salaam."

Pope Francis on his visit to a mosque in the Central African Republic in November
Pope of the poor makes big impact in Africa

14. "Relaxing your hair was a rite of passage. My hair suffered a lot with those chemicals and I cut it all off and my hair grew and I realised it wasn't that bad after all"

Kenya's Oscar-winning actress Lupita Nyong'o told the BBC

15. "A court is the guardian of justice, the cornerstone of a democratic system based on the rule of law. If the state  does not abide by court orders, the democratic edifice will crumble stone-by-stone until it collapses and chaos ensues"

Sudan's President Omar al-Bashir attended an African Union summit in South Africa in June
Judge Dunstan Mlambo, who criticised the South African government for letting Sudan's President Omar al-Bashir leave the country in June despite an International Criminal Court arrest warrant

16. "It's not about unmasking Anas. It's about all of us putting our hands together and ensuring we have a better continent. I think that anonymity has always been my secret weapon and I have always used it to the benefit of society"

Undercover journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas, whose documentary this year exposed corruption in Ghana's judiciary

Senator Shehu Sani To Sue His Political Party, APC

Senator Shehu Sani To Sue His Political Party, APC

Senator Shehu Sani, representing Kaduna Central at the National Assembly on the platform of the APC has threatened to slam a law suit on his own party. He threatened to engage the APC in a legal tussle for allegedly peddling false allegations against his person.

The party had in a letter addressed to him requested that the senator present himself before a disciplinary panel over suspected anti-party activities.

“If in the next one week, the party excos in the state fail to withdraw a letter sent to him on the allegation that he was involved in anti party activities, he will take a legal action against the party.”

Shehu Sani who did not take lightly the summon has retorted in a news briefing where he was represented by his senior legislative aide and his campaign director general, Rabiu Khaleed.

The senator has been in a constant tussle with APC leader in Kaduna state, Governor Nasir El-Rufai and has embraced every opportunity to criticize the governor judiciously.

Sani said he does not regard the leadership of the party in the state, claiming that they are being sponsored by the state government to soil his reputation.

"This is our stand. We will not honour an invitation by kangaroo executives in the state. APC executives are not in existence in the state. We are, therefore, urging them to withdraw the letter sent to us within a week or we will take legal action against them.

“Senator Shehu Sani will not honour their invitation because he doesn’t recognize them as state executives of the party. They are only claiming to be APC members but we know they are only doing a bid for the state governor.

“Since our election, no party executive in the state deemed it fit to write to Senator Sani to inform him of any party activities despite being a party stakeholder. Therefore, he will not honour any invitation from anybody because there are no recognized party leaders in the state,” he said.

- that's Nigeria politics for you.

Top Ten Reasons Why You Are Still Jobless

Top Ten Reasons Why You Are Still Jobless

As most college graduates know, finding a job can be nothing short of brutal. You get your diploma and all of a sudden you become a real adult who needs a real adult job.

Months go by, you might find yourself living with the parents again, but still, despite your best attempts, you just can’t seem to land a job.

As the numbers in your bank account get smaller, you might question the point of your education and yourself, but especially why finding a good job seems so damn hard.

While it’s easy to blame the economy, sometimes it’s just you. Cover your bases with these 10 reasons why you might still be jobless.

1. You just don’t want it bad enough

You are fresh out of college and you know you need to be working, but when you really think about it, you dread the thought of having a real job; you approach it like a slug actually.

Well we don’t blame you- in college you lived on your own terms, pretty much made your own schedule, and now you are expected to show up on time and work at a desk all day doing things you probably hate.

The harsh reality though is that you aren’t in college anymore and in order to get a job you have to get over yourself and actually try finding a job like your life depends on it.

2. You have terrible networking skills

Say you aren’t the most social of young job seekers, or people for that matter.

Your reluctance to talk to real people will dramatically decrease your opportunities in finding a job.

As you reply to general job ads at home on your computer, other job seekers are straight up calling places asking for jobs, checking out job fairs, and hitting up every connection they have for open positions.

Take a deep breath, show that you are different, and don’t be afraid to talk to real people to find a job, otherwise your emailed resumés will continue to be one of a thousand others that are sorted into the trash.

3. Your life is too easy

Sometimes we are very fortunate to have really supportive parents- they give us a place to stay after college and they never say no to the donations of the green kind.

But while they only want the best for us, we end up getting too cozy with all that cushion and lose sight of what we really need to be doing. Remember to stay disciplined and that your job is to get a job.

It’s best to get back in the job game before your parents have to remind you by cutting you off.

4. You are bad at interviews

You’ve managed to land interviews but you find yourself counting the hours for a callback that isn’t coming.

The problem is that you never know what you did wrong unless you manage to call your interviewer and ask for feedback.

Remember that an interview takes preparation; do the research on the company you applied at and dazzle them with your knowledge of the company and the position.

Prepare your answers to interview questions before hand and don’t go on about your personal problems or why you hated your last boss.

Keep your answers clear, concise and confident; with a little charm and humor you may just dominate that interview.

5. You need to get your papers in order

Applying to a job takes a great cover letter and a resumé. When heading into an interview, bring extra copies of your resumé, professional references, and any other documents that employer might request.

Don’t forget to ask your interviewer for a business card so you can write them a thank you email or letter after the interview. Get these documents ready when you need them and you are set, plain and simple.

        6. You are greedy

Okay, sometimes it’s not greed.Some companies seem like they might as well pay you with pocket lint or old Halloween candy; the reality is that even as much as $20 dollars an hour isn’t enough to survive on your own in some places.

You try to get more by setting your wage requirements higher, but to an employer you look like every other entitled kid from the Y generation.

Unfortunately there is no way around this system. If you are lucky enough to land a high paying job after college, congrats! If you can land any job, take it, because even a little money is better than no money and you can at least keep earning until you find a better opportunity.

Hey, you can always become an entrepreneur.

7. You need to clean yourself up

In a traditional sense, looking the part of a future employee at an interview means looking clean and professional in a suit (or business skirt and blouse for the ladies).

Hide those tattoos, trim or shave those beards, and maybe leave the more exotic piercings you have out. Reeking of cigarettes may also be a great way to turn off an employer- do yourself a favor and hold off on smoking until after the interview. Look the part of a successful

    8. You have a bad attitude

Finding a job is stressful to say the least. Getting turned down or never getting called back feels like the world is constantly dumping on you.

This can make a person angry or depressed which will never help you land a job.

However hard the journey has been to get to that interview, leave your personal issues at the door.

While employers are looking for bright, happy, and confident candidates, they also won’t take you if you come off as a cocky and arrogant know it all. I mean, it just makes the rest of us look bad.

       9. You aren’t being truthful

The last thing you want to appear to a potential employer is shady. Maybe you didn’t get the highest GPA in school or you didn’t actually work somewhere you said you did, but you really want that job so you change up some things on your resumé.

Big mistake- all employers have to do is check your college transcripts or call your past employers and you are done.

Don’t put yourself in this position by lying to a potential employer. It’s kind of obvious, isn’t it?

      10. You aren’t qualified

Here’s one that sometimes isn’t so obvious. Having a fresh bachelors degree doesn’t always make you qualified for those higher paying jobs, but it can make you over-qualified for entry level jobs.

Ridiculous, isn’t it? Fresh out of college with no work experience but you can’t land an entry level job because employers don’t see you as a safe bet; they assume you will eventually find a job more suited to your education and ditch them the first chance you get.

They would rather hire someone that they know will be a safer bet to stick around long term.

Finding the right type of job is key here, so aiming too low will hurt you just as much as aiming too high, but always prove that you are worth the investment.

To all those who find themselves in this rat race, keep at it and good luck!

Is this post helpful? Please use the comment box to express your views

Top 10 Questions To Expect In An Interview And How To Easily Tackle Them

Top 10 Questions To Expect In An Interview And How To Easily Tackle Them

If you are looking for a job now, then you’re in luck. This is a guidance post of ten most common interview questions that you might be asked for your upcoming interviews.

Without further ado, here are the top 10 questions, let’s get started!

10. “Tell me about yourself?”

This is typically the first question the interviewer will ask once you’ve taken your seat. This is the opportunity for the interviewer to assess you as a person through what you say and how you deliver it.

As they always say, first impression is at utmost important, so you’ve to make sure you’ve prepared yourself adequately to answer it. Keep it short and succinct, preferably within 2 – 3 minutes.

How should you reply then? Like I said, you should have done your research on what the company expects from the candidates before heading for the interview.

Your answer then, is to address how your qualities (e.g. qualifications, personalities and work experience) are relevant to the position in question. Therefore, you should only convey information applicable to what is required for the job, but not irrelevant ones pertaining to your family or personal events, for instance.

9. “What are your weaknesses?”

At first glance, this seems tricky. On one hand, you can’t reveal that you lack what it takes for the job; on the other, it will be an obvious lie if you claim you don’t have any weaknesses. What should you disclose then?

If you have thoroughly gone through the company’s profile and such, you will by now understand what qualities are considered strengths, and what are not. Now, there are several ways to answer double-edged questions like this.

With your knowledge of what constitute as weaknesses that are frown upon by the interviewer, you can admit to those which you have that are impertinent to the job requirement.

Secondly, you can mask strengths as weaknesses. For instance, you can say you are a very meticulous person who gets picky with details of a project (for this to work though, the job must be one that is particular about specifics). Last but not least, you can confess to past weaknesses but show how you had triumphed over them.

8. “What is your greatest accomplishment?”

Although the interviewer is asking you about your greatest accomplishment, you still have to choose one that is more professionally relevant. This is a good time to illustrate how you can contribute to the company if you are successfully recruited, so it will be to your advantage if you mention an achievement that applies to the position.

Let’s say you are applying for a position that requires a significant amount of problem solving and troubleshooting.

You might want to talk about a time when you resolved a persistent problem that had plagued your company for years. You can explain how you initiated some research and made a useful suggestion that was eventually implemented to all departments. If possible, quantify your results in terms of savings made and increased productivity for instance.

7. “Why did you leave your last job?”

There are various legitimate reasons for leaving a job. Yet, when it comes to interview, try to answer positively rather than complain about what made you unhappy.

Talk in relation to your career goals and how the job you are applying provides a better environment for growth than your previous job.

As always, angle your reply in such a way that what you had learned in your previous job had enriched you with valuable skills for the current position.

Here, the interviewer is trying to gauge how much the job fits to your expectations. You had probably quit your last job because you were unhappy about something.

The interviewer wants to make sure that you will be committed to the job and not leave because your expectations are not met again.

6. “Why do you want to work with us?”

More likely than not, the interviewer wishes to see how much you know about the company culture, and whether you can identify with the organization’s values and vision.

Every organization has its strong points, and these are the ones that you should highlight in your answer.

For example, if the company emphasizes on integrity with customers, then you mention that you would like to be in such a team because you yourself believe in integrity.

It doesn’t have to be a lie. In the case that your values are not in line with the ones by the company, ask yourself if you would be happy working there.

If you have no issue with that, go ahead. But if you are aware of the company culture and realize that there is some dilemma you might be facing, you ought to think twice.

The best policy is to be honest with yourself, and be honest with the interviewer with what is it in the company culture that motivates you.

5. “Why did you apply for this position?”

Even if it’s true to a large extent, don’t give them the vibe that you applied for this job because you were retrenched from your previous company.

Or for that matter, don’t give the impression that you are here because you need to make a living. Any company wants someone who is committed to the organization and eventually developed a sense of belonging with it.

It doesn’t help claiming that you’re here for the monthly paycheck.

In fact, the best way to answer this question is to spend some time examining what you like or would like about your work and the company.

It is likely you will find something, such as the culture, work environment, meaning of your work, etc. If you didn’t find anything, then you should seriously consider if this is the right job for you.

Once you know why you want this job, you can then answer them in a manner that’ll relate how well you fit with the position. For example, if you like the customer service work involved because you enjoy communicating with people, bring up that sociable personality of yours.

Convince them that you’ll fit in very well here, and you’ll in turn convince the interviewer that you’ll be an asset to the company

4. “What would you like to be doing five years from now?”

Again, this question is asked to find out whether you are committed to the job. The fact is that there are people who hop from job to job, and that is because they don’t really have a solid plan to follow.

Another reason for popping this question is to see whether you are someone who sets goals in life. It’s undisputable that people who set long-term goals are more reliable than those who don’t.

I mean, knowing what you want in life says a lot about your personality, perhaps as a person who can lead and stay motivated.

Your reply should assure the interviewer that your career progression goals are in line with the actual advancement route in the company.

The interviewer wouldn’t want to disappoint you in the next five years and end up with you resigning.

As such, it is crucial that you do your homework on the company’s prospects so that you know what to expect for yourself, and whether it will meet your long-term career objectives.

3. “Why should I hire you?”

This is the part where you link your skills, experience, education and your personality to the job itself. This is why you need to be utterly familiar with the job description as well as the company culture. Remember though, it’s best to back them up with actual examples of say, how you are a good team plcompany

It is possible that you may not have as much skills, experience or qualifications as the other candidates. What then, will set you apart from the rest?

Energy and passion might. People are attracted to someone who is charismatic, who show immense amount of energy when they talk, and who love what it is that they do.

As you explain your compatibility with the job and company, be sure to portray yourself as that motivated, confident and energetic person, ever-ready to commit to the cause of the company

2. “How much are you expecting for the salary?”

Salary negotiation is a tough and delicate matter. Preferably speaking, you should avoid going into this topic until the later stage of the recruitment when you are being offered the job.

That said, some recruiters might be hoping that you’d yield in to this question and be the first to give the number and set the benchmark.

The repercussion? You might end up making less than what the position is worth!

Hence, research on the salary range in your field to have a rough estimate of how much you should be earning.

Give a large range rather than a specific amount if you have to answer it. An alternative is to pose the question back at the interviewer by asking what kind of salary does the position warrants.

At other times, interviewers might just be testing you to see if money is the only thing that matters. So, do emphasize that your priority lies with the nature of the job and not the salary per se.

Remember that when the job is finally being offered to you, the interviewer would have to quote the salary. That will be the best time to negotiate your way because you will then become the one being sought after, and not the other way round.

1. “Do you have any questions to ask me?”

This is normally the last question posed to you, so it’s your chance to finish the interview elegantly. True enough, your doubts about the job position might already been allayed by this time when the interview is almost done.

Nevertheless, you’ve got to say something other than replying that you’ve got nothing to ask. Doing otherwise might leave the impression to the interviewer that you are not exactly keen to get the job.

Unless an employer is interested in recruiting a passive employee, the interviewer is likely to be attracted to proactive candidates who ask intelligent questions.

If you must ask, do make sure that they aren’t those with obvious answers that you can get if you have done the research thoroughly. Yes, there’s no such thing as a stupid question, except those that you ask for the sake of asking.

Try to incorporate your knowledge of the industry and the company into a question that will address a genuine concern of yours. That way, you get to amaze your interviewer and assess for a final time whether the job aligns with your expectations.

Feel free to drop your comments below

We Need A New Opposition, PDP Is Failing Us – Obasanjo

We Need A New Opposition, PDP Is Failing Us – Obasanjo

I don't know if this is true but someone just credited ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo with this statement that Nigeria needs a new opposition as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has nothing to offer.

The twitter handle twitting with Obasanjo's name stressed that being an opposition is not about abusing the president and the federal government but giving constructive criticism.

Nigerians need a better opposition “that does not condemn everything the FG does but suggest new ideas to make Nigeria better,” the handle stated.

Footballer John Ogu Marries Sweetheart In Anambra (Photos)

Footballer John Ogu Marries Sweetheart In Anambra (Photos)

After their quiet wedding at the registry, footballer John Ogu got married traditionally to his beautiful lady, Veronica in her village in Anambra State on Tuesday. Congrats! See their wedding pics...

Here Are The 10 Most Vibrant Senators of 2015

Here Are The 10 Most Vibrant Senators of 2015

The year 2015 has come and almost gone, yet the 8th Senate has recorded significant progress, as well as faced a number of challenges.

The distinguished Senators of the 8th National Assembly, under the leadership of Senate President Bukola Saraki have all in one way or the other contributed immensely to the successes and achievements of the 8th Senate thus far and most importantly to the growth and development of Nigeria as a whole.

Below is a list of the ten most vibrant Senators of the year 2015.

These set of Senators have been selected because of either their eloquent contributions on the floor of the Senate Chamber during debates, their meaningful Motions or significant Bills.

1. Senator Babajide Christopher Omoworare: Representing Osun-East Senatorial District has contributed greatly to the daily running of the 8th Senate Legislative Activities through the Senate Special Committee on Rules and Business. Senator Omoworare is the Chairman of this Committee and so far it has always delivered on its duties like producing the Senate Order Paper. Omoworare has also presented a couple of Bills to the Senate; one of these Bills is ‘Nigerian Law Reform Commission Act CAP N118 LFN 2004 (Amendment) Bill 2015 (SB. 27)’.

2. Senator Ben Murray-Bruce:Representing Bayelsa East Senatorial District, Murray-Bruch is commonly known and recognized on Social Media as the man who speaks about Common Sense approaches to dealing with many of Nigeria’s problems. This first time Senate has also contributed severally to Motions, Bills and other matters of the 8th Senate. One of his recent Bills is the ‘Ward Security Watches Nationwide (Est. ect.) Bill 2015 (SB. 80)’.

3. Senator Ali Ndume is the Leader of the 8th Senate. Representing Borno South Senatorial District, Ndume, since the inception of the 8th Senate has been saddled with the responsibility of seeing to the day-to-day running of Senate’s Legislative Activities during plenary. One of his recent Bills is ‘A Bill for an Act to Establish the North-East Development Commission in the Federal Republic of Nigeria to address the devastation caused by insurgency and other matters connected 2015 (SB. 31)’.

4. Senator Stella Oduah representing Anambra North Senatorial District has presented some important Bills in the house as well; one of the Bills is a ‘National Youth Service Corps (Amendment) Bill 2015 (SB. 147)’ and has also sponsored a Motion on the ‘Construction of Dams to Remedy the Perennial Flood Disasters in Nigeria’.

5. Senator Shehu Sani representing Kaduna Central is also known for his vivid contributions in the Senate. Just like his other colleagues, he has also presented some Bills and sponsored Motions in the Senate. Recently, Senator Sani sponsored an important Motion on the ‘Excessive Tuition Fee Charged by the Nigerian Law School,’ and also presented a Bill on ‘National Commission for Peace Reconciliation and Mediation Bill 2015 (SB. 74).

6. Senator Samuel Nnaemeka Anyanwu:Representing Imo East Senatorial District, Anyanwu is the Chairman of the Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions. Anyanwu’s Committee is evidently one of the most active Committees in the 8th Senate. The Committee handles all sorts of Public Petitions and other related matters. Some of the Petitions that were referred to the Committee this year included: the Petition from one Mr. Nnoke Chinedum against Macmillan Nigeria Publishers Limited; a Petition from one Mr. Stephen G. Balabacho and others against the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC); a Petition from one Mr. Adamu Abdullahi and other disengaged staff of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS); a Petition from one Usman Pindar and Nasir Ahmed against Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF); a Petition from one Engr. Adamu Suleiman Yakubu againstthe National Universities Commission (NUC), and; a Petition from one Sergeant Amos Olaniyan against the Nigerian Police Force and many others.

7. Senator Biodun Olujimi: Representing Ekiti South Senatorial District, Biodun Olujimi has been a very active opposition member of the 8th Senate. In addition to her great contributions during debates and her constructive responses to her colleagues on the other side, she has presented quite a number of Bills. Some of these aforementioned Bills include: a ‘Women Empowerment and Gender Equality Bill 2015 (SB. 37)’ and the ‘Counterfeit and Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act CAP C34 Laws of the federation 2004 (Amendment) Bill, 2015.’

8. Senator Andy Emmanuel Uba:Representing Anambra South Senatorial District, Andy Uba has presented several Bills in the 8th Senate. One of his recent Bill is ‘A Bill for an Act to Repeal the Nigerian Railway Corporation Act, CAP N129, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and to Enact the Nigerian Railway Bill, 2015, to Provide for the Regulation of the Railway Sector in Nigeria and for other Purposes Connected Therewith.’

9. Senator Olusola Adeyeye: Serving as the Chief Whip of the Senate and as the Senator representing Osun Central Senatorial District, Professor Adeyeye is his role as a principal officer works to maintain order on the floor of the Senate, and garner bipartisan support for key pieces of legislation. Senator Adeyeye is also well known by his colleagues and everyone who follows Senate Proceedings for his unbiased contributions and his passion for the Nigerian Senate.

10. Senator Dino Melaye: Representing Kogi West Senatorial District, Dino Melaye is a very popular and out-spoken Senator of the 8th Senate. A key ally of the Senate President, Melaye has sponsored a number of Motions in the Senate. One of these Motions is on the “Ailing Ajaokuta Steel Company.” The Senator was also recently in the news for revealing the mismanagement of Treasury Single Account (TSA) funds.

This piece will not be complete without recognizing

the Senate President Dr. Bukola Saraki for his admirable leadership and running of the 8th Senate thus far. The Senate Minority Leader, Godswill Ubong Akpabio (Akwa Ibom North West) for shepherding the affairs of the opposition Senators; Senator Ighoyota Amori (Delta Central) for the Motion on Gas Flaring in Nigeria Particularly in the Niger-Delta Region; Senator Abubakar Kyari (Borno North) who is the Chairman Senate Committee on National Electoral Commission for successfully conducting the three-day Power Probe; Senator Mao A. Ohuabunwa (Abia North) for sponsoring a Motion on The Plight of the Nigerian Medical Doctors in Training; Senator Francis Asekhame Alimikhena for presenting A Bill for an Act to Ensure full Integration of persons with Disabilities into the society and to establish a National Commission for persons with Disabilities and vest it with the responsibility for their Education, Health Care, Protection of their Social Economic Civil Rights 2015 (SB. 22), the entire Senate Leadership and Distinguished Senators from both the ruling party (APC) and the opposition party (PDP) for all their meaningful contributions.

Nigerians are looking up to you to help make the country a better place, and we hope much more will be achieved in the 8th Senate come 2016.

by Abang Dove 

she writes from Abuja and tweets with the handle @abangdove

Awww! Tiwa Savage cuddles her son in adorable photo

Tiwa and Teebillz finally revealed their son ,Jamil's face in Christmas day ..This lovely photo of Tiwa cuddling her son has been released  . What a love shown by a mother. Am thrilled.

EPL Suprise team Leicester City give free beer to fans as 'thank you' for successful year

EPL Suprise team Leicester City give free beer to fans as 'thank you' for successful year

Leicester City owners decided to surprise fans with free beer before their clash with Man City tonight at the King Power Stadium. The club has been the surprise package this season, staying top of the table and have a genuine shot of winning the title this season.

In his programme notes ahead of the match, Leicester City Fotball Club vice chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha said: 'There has been so many highlights from 2015 - the amazing escape last season, the fantastic start to this one, club records broken, Premier League records broken and moments that will live with us all for a long time. You have been a huge part of it and Leicester City heads into 2016 in better shape than it has ever been. As a thank you for the role you have played in such a great year, our friends at Singha Beer will be buying the first round tonight. Enjoy it, you've all earned it!'

Islamic State suffers double blow as Ramadi falls, leaders killed

Islamic State suffers double blow as Ramadi falls, leaders killed

U.S.-led forces have killed 10 Islamic State leaders in air strikes, including individuals linked to the Paris attacks, a U.S. spokesman said, dealing a double blow to the militant group after Iraqi forces ousted it from the city of Ramadi.

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi planted the national flag in Ramadi after the army retook the city center from Islamic State, a victory that could help vindicate his strategy for rebuilding the military after stunning defeats.

"Over the past month, we've killed 10 ISIL leadership figures with targeted air strikes, including several external attack planners, some of whom are linked to the Paris attacks," said U.S. Army Colonel Steve Warren, a spokesman for the U.S.-led campaign against the Islamist group also known by the acronym ISIL.

"Others had designs on further attacking the West."

One of those killed was Abdul Qader Hakim, who facilitated the militants' external operations and had links to the Paris attack network, Warren said. He was killed in the northern Iraqi city of Mosul on Dec. 26.

 

Two days earlier, a coalition air strike in Syria killed Charaffe al Mouadan, a Syria-based Islamic State member with a direct link to Abdelhamid Abaaoud, the suspected ringleader of the coordinated bombings and shootings in Paris on Nov. 13 which killed 130 people, Warren said.

Mouadan was planning further attacks against the West, he added.

 

Air strikes on Islamic State's leadership helped explain recent battlefield successes against the group, which also lost control of a dam on a strategic supply route near its de facto capital of Raqqa in Syria on Saturday.

"Part of those successes is attributable to the fact that the organization is losing its leadership," Warren said. He warned, however: "It's still got fangs."

Woman electrocuted in hotel room on her birthday

Woman electrocuted in hotel room on her birthday

24 year old Funke Balogun, a National Diploma II student of Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), was allegedly electrocuted in a hotel bathroom owned by her boyfriend Abolade Adetunji's mother at 30, Balogun Street, Oshodi in Lagos on Sunday December 27th.
According to a report by the Nation, Funke who is a mother of one, was in a relationship with Abolade who just passed from NYSC. According to Funmi, the younger sister of the deceased, Abolade came to pick her sister at their residence on Saturday around 11pm.

“Abolade was in a hurry that night and I told my sister not to go but she picked some of her things and left with him.On Sunday morning around 7, she called and said plans had changed that they were not going to the beach again but to a hotel and since then, we have been trying her mobile line. When she didn’t pick her call, I became worried. That day was her birthday and our mother still called her in themidnight to pray for her. Even, when my mum called Abolade’s mobile line, someone picked and said he forgot his phone and since then his lime has been switched off."

Funmi said when she and some family members went to the hotel to see if they could check on her, they didn’t see her, adding that the receptionist said Adetunji just stepped out and wasn’t with a girl.

“Even when we got to Abolade’s house, we were told he had gone to the beach. Around 8pm on Sunday, my cousin and I went to the hotel again, I sighted blood on the wall and when I asked Abolade’s brother, Bayo where my sister was, he said: ‘at the moment, Funke is dead’; he said it without remorse and was still icing drinks in the freezer. Even when we went to the police station, they said they were not aware of the incident. Is that how my sister will die? She has been dating him for almost a year. He just returned from National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camp in Anambra State. The boy is very proud to the extent that whenever he visited her, he didn’t greet anyone.”she said

When interviewed, Abolade said his girlfriend died of shock.

"‎She was already in the bathroom and I went to meet my brother who was on the same floor with us to get the toothpaste. As I returned to the room, I tried to open the toilet door but it was stiff. As I gained access to the toilet, I met her on the floor with a shower handle on her right hand. When I tried to carry her, I didn’t know what happened until I saw myself on hospital bed.”

His father, Jamiu Adetunji, A. K.A (Yaro), said Abolade’s elder brother called their mother that they needed a doctor.

“Immediately we took them to Geo Medical Centre where Funke eventually gave up. We first took her to General Hospital, Ikeja but she was rejected because there was none of her family members with us. It was later we reported the incident to Akinpelu Police Station where they took the body to Yaba mortuary. I wouldn’t want to kill someone else’s daughter. Funke was my son’s girl friend and I told her to help me monitor his movement because at times he wouldn’t listen and since he talked about her dearly, I felt she was going to inspire him. It is really unfortunate. My son has put me in trouble. Even when they wanted to know the girl’s full name, I pinched my son few times just for him to wake up. I have arrested the electrician that connected light to the building because last Friday, occupants of the building beside the hotel complained of shock in their house and I told the electrician but he refused to come. It was after the incident he came and was arrested. “‎

The mother of the bereaved, Kehinde Balogun, has remained inconsolable since the day of the incident

"Funke was my first child and she has a three-year-old son. The only reason they live alone is because her school is close to the family house in Oshodi. Why did they kill my beauty? Why? What have I done to deserve this? I wish she listened to her sister that night because she had a dream. I saw my daughter in my sleep this morning telling me she had returned. It is unfortunate. I wish it was a reality. It is a big tragedy because where she died was three houses from where I gave birth to her. I warned her about him but she told me he was okay and assured me everything was fine.” she said amid tears.

Gov. Ambode's media aide, Aruna loses father

Gov. Ambode's media aide, Aruna loses father

Gov. Ambode's media aide, Aruna lost his father Alhaji Adamson Aruna. May his soul rest in peace. Amen!

Amazing! This guy didn't let disability hold him back

Amazing! This guy didn't let disability hold him back

He doesn't have legs but that didn't stop him from working and making something of himelf. What's your excuse? #BeInspired! More photos after the cut..

See what a white dude did with Annie Idibia's pic...this is inhuman treatment.

See what a white dude did with Annie Idibia's pic... This is too bad

He shared it on his Facebook page yesterday asking for prayers for the 'cancer victim'. Nigerians have since told him it was a cancer inspired shoot and not a real case...

Snippets of the Madian edition of Youth interactive session

Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development 

Snippets of the maiden edition of Youth Interactive Session convened by the Hon Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Pharm (Mrs) Uzamat Akinbile-Yussuf, held today at Onikan Youth Centre, Lagos. Pictures after the cut

The Specials drummer John Bradbury dies aged 62

The Specials drummer John Bradbury dies aged 62

BRITISH Ska drummer John 'Brad' Bradbury has died aged 62, his former band mates announced today.

By ZOIE O'BRIEN

Getty Images

Ska drummer John Bradbury has died aged 62

The Specials tweeted the news today, writing: "It is with deep regret that we say goodbye to our great friend, the world's greatest drummer, our beloved Brad. RIP."

When the original Specials split in 1981, he joined the reversioned band The Special AKA, who had a top 10 hit with Free Nelson Mandela.

Getty Images

John Bradbury was behind the Free Nelson Mandela track

His contribution to the world of music can not be understated and he will much missed by family, friends and fans alike

Family statement

In a statement, his family said: It is with deepest regret that we have to announce the very sad news that our much loved husband and father John 'Brad' Bradbury passed away on Monday the 28th of December.

“Brad's drumming was the powerhouse behind The Specials and it was seen as a key part to the Two Tone sound. 

“He was much respected in the world of drumming and his style of reggae and ska was seen as genuinely ground breaking when The Specials first hit the charts in 1979.”

“He was an integral part of The Specials reforming in 2008 and toured with them extensively up to the present day. His contribution to the world of music can not be understated and he will much missed by family, friends and fans alike.

“It is the family's sincerest wish that they are allowed the time to remember him privately.”

Getty Images

John Bradbury took part in The Specials reunion tour in 2009

Barcelona hire and fire player on the same day over old tweets

Barcelona hire and fire player on the same day over old tweets

In a shocking twist of fate,a soccer player's old tweets came back to haunt him when Spanish champions Barcelona hired and fired him on the same day.
Spanish national daily sport newspaper Marca reports that Sergi Guardiola, 24, made the dream move Monday from AD Alcorcon to the Catalan club's B side which is renowned for cultivating future international stars . 
But tweets posted from his account during the 2013 El Clásico clash between Barcelona and arch rivals Real Madrid were soon dug up..
They included insults to his new team, its star player Lionel Messi and the Catalonia region of northeastern Spain as a whole.The tweets read

"I wouldn't have Messi in my team; he spoils the way the team plays," one of the messages attributed to Guardiola states. "Up Real Madrid, and the hell with Catalonia."

A Barcelona statement said,

"FC Barcelona has decided to terminate the contract signed with Sergi Guardiola, after finding that he had published offensive tweets about the club and Catalonia,"

Guardiola, later claimed a friend had posted the tweets as a joke.

"I want to make clear I didn't write those tweets. A friend took my phone and did it. It's a misunderstanding," he told the Spanish radio station Cope. "The tweets are from 2013, a joke from a friend, I didn't even know the tweets existed." 
"Now I’m going home, we’ll see what happens,” he added.

 Source-Huffington Post 

Bereaved mum goes on hunger strike after policeman killed her twinboys(

Bereaved mum goes on hunger strike after policeman killed her twinboys(Photos)

The devastated mother of the deceased twin brothers, who were shot to death alongside their friend,  weekend,  by a drunken mobile policeman, in front of Paulson Hotel in Ketu area of Lagos  has refused to eat since the incident.
According to Vanguard sleep has also eluded the 75 year-old woman, who only stares at sympathisers, who throng her relative’s  home  on Ojefemi Street to console her over the loss of her 34-year-old twin children.
It was, however, discovered that the septuagenarian has two daughters, contrary to earlier report that the deceased were her only children.As at yesterday,  she was  moved out  of Ketu to Ogun State by her daughters, following her deteriorating health condition, owing to her refusal to eat and sleep.

Meanwhile, Adesanya Adegoke, popularly known as Jeje, who was shot to death alongside the  twin brothers, had been buried. The remains of the 35-year-old trader, who hailed from Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, was interred in a cemetery around Ikorodu  at 7.24p.m., Sunday.

Vanguard  gathered that  he was buried by the Police, with the consent of  the family.
However,  the corpses of the deceased  twin brothers; Taiwo and Kehinde Oyesunle are at the moment under the Nigerian Navy, NN, custody.  The corpses were reportedly transferred  from the Ikorodu General Hospital morgue to the Nigerian Navy Reference Hospital, Ojo, by some naval personnel, yesterday.

The trio were killed by a trigger happy Mobile policeman, Sergeant Stephen James, following their refusal to buy him a bottle of beer. He thereafter, shot himself.
When Vanguard arrived Ajefemi Street, yesterday, the septuagenarian was sighted coming out from one of the apartments on  6, Ajefemi Street.  She cast a blank stare on everyone around, as she was ushered into a waiting vehicle to take her to Ogun State. Her two daughters and a family member joined her in the vehicle.
Speaking with Vanguard shortly before they left, the septuagenarian’s in-law, Mr. Segun Shodunke, said:

 “I am taking Mama to my house. The incident is so devastating. Taiye and Kehinde were like my biological  children.“Unfortunately, since the incident happened, the Police have not visited to console with Mama. We learned that the Commissioner of Police was at the hotel on Sunday, but he never came here.”

He also denied news that the deceased twins were cultists.
He said:

“Taye was a naval man. He joined the Nigerian Navy about four years ago.  I don’t think a military man can join a cult because  he has access to a gun by the  government. Kehinde  on his part was working at Mega Con Oil station at toll gate, as an account officer.
“Currently, the corpses are  in  Navy custody. They (naval personnel ) came this (yesterday)  morning to take them to their morgue. All we want is justice and I know that government knows what it is supposed to do.”

‘My last moment with Adegoke’
Also on  3, Dairo Street, one of  late Adegoke friends, who claimed to have witnessed his interment, said:

Adegoke“My friend was buried at exactly 7.24p.m., by some policemen on Sunday. Some of his family members were present.  His family members gave their consent to his being buried because they said they didn’t want trouble.
“The last moment I shared with him (late Adegoke) was a memorable one. He visited  my house that fateful day, which was also his birthday. He came with a pack of food he bought from an eatery. Playfully,  I collected the food from him and ate. Like the easy-going person he was, he never complained. He later left, only for me to receive a call that threw me off balance.
“The  caller informed me that Adegoke had been shot by a policeman. I rushed down to Paulson Hotel, where to my greatest shock, I saw  corpses littered on the ground. I went to Jeje’s body, carried him and shook him vigorously as I called out his name, hoping he would answer. But there was dead silence. I have known him for 20 years. He was an an amiable person.”